A man identified as Basit Kolade has died after he was allegedly beaten by a mob in the Lagos Island area of Lagos State, just weeks before his scheduled wedding.
The incident reportedly occurred on Wednesday night in the Patey area of Lagos Island, after Basit was allegedly involved in a road incident while driving along Freeman Street.
According to residents, Basit’s vehicle allegedly hit a pedestrian who was attempting to cross the road. He was said to have continued driving after the incident, prompting some residents to pursue and eventually stop him.
The situation reportedly escalated when a mob attacked him with sticks and bottles.
One resident who witnessed the incident said the crowd became angry after Basit allegedly failed to stop following the collision.
“A resident was trying to cross the road when he rammed him. The moment it happened, people thought he would wait, but he did not. He was later chased and caught before the mob descended on him.”
Another resident, identified as Lawal, said the attackers repeatedly struck Basit, particularly around the head.
“He was hit with sticks and bottles on his head, which caused him to sustain a head injury. He went unconscious and later died.”
The attackers reportedly dispersed after Basit became unresponsive.
He was subsequently taken to Lagos Island General Hospital, where he was confirmed dead on arrival, according to the Lagos State Police Command.
Basit had reportedly recently returned to Nigeria from abroad to prepare for his wedding, which was expected to take place in about two weeks.
The circumstances surrounding his death have since prompted an investigation, with four suspects arrested in connection with the alleged mob killing.
The Lagos State Police Command condemned the incident and warned residents against taking the law into their own hands.
The police spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, said those found responsible would face prosecution.
“The Command strongly condemns the incident and warns members of the public against resorting to mob action, jungle justice, or any form of self-help. No individual or group has the right to take the law into their own hands.”
She added that anyone found to have participated in the attack would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Basit’s remains have reportedly been deposited in a morgue as investigations continue.
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